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- I had a comfortable job in interior design, but I was no longer energized by my work. A friend asked me to help with her startup and it sparked a newfound love for product management.At 35, I took classes and signed up for mentor programs so I could pivot to a career that I enjoy.
At 35, with two young kids and over a decade spent in interior design, I made a decision that changed everything.
I walked away from what was familiar and comfortable to chase something completely different, something uncertain, but deeply exciting. It wasn't just about switching careers. It was about choosing growth over routine, purpose over predictability, and giving myself a chance to rediscover who I was becoming.
Something was missing
For years, I had what looked like the perfect setup. I worked from home, made my own schedule, skipped long commutes, and could be there for my kids when they needed me.
It was flexible, stable, and made sense on paper. But inside, I felt stuck. The creative spark I once had for design had started to fade. What used to light me up had become just another checklist.
I kept going, because it worked for our family, because it paid the bills, because that's what I knew. But I always had a feeling that something was missing.
Helping out a friend changed everything
One day a close friend who was building a startup mentioned that she needed help bridging communication between her technical team and the rest of her stakeholders. She knew I had a way of breaking down complex ideas and translating them clearly, so she asked if I could step in.
What started as a favor quickly became the highlight of my week. I was thinking about user needs, sketching out product flows, and brainstorming ideas that felt impactful. For the first time in a long time, I felt energized, focused and most importantly I am enjoying it.
Even while working in design, I had stayed curious, reading about digital tools, trying new software, following tech trends. I didn't think much of it back then, but looking back now, I was laying the groundwork for something new.
Helping my friend opened my eyes. I wanted to solve real problems. I wanted to design experiences that improved people's lives, to build digital solutions, and to work on ideas that mattered. It was like stepping into a room I didn't know I needed, but now couldn't unsee.
My new career didn't happen overnight
Let me be honest: deciding to change careers wasn't easy. Some days, I was filled with doubt. Who starts over at 35? Could I keep up in tech, surrounded by people younger, faster, and far more experienced? What if I failed? What if I regretted walking away from the stability I had built?
But staying stuck scared me more. I didn't want my kids to grow up thinking it's normal to settle for good enough. I wanted them to see me try and witness me stretch, stumble, learn, and grow. I wanted them to know that it's okay to change your mind and chase something that makes you feel alive.
So, I made the leap.
I enrolled in online product management courses. I joined mentorship programs. I reached out to others who had made similar transitions. Bit by bit, I built a small portfolio. That turned into freelance work, and eventually into a full-time role. Today, I work as a digital strategist and product manager, helping startups bring their ideas to life, and it feels like the right fit in every way.
I know I made the right choice for me and my family
It's not always smooth sailing. I still juggle deadlines, school pickups, and everything in between. But I don't do it alone. My husband has been my rock, cheering me on when things get tough and celebrating every little win. We've leaned on both our parents more than ever, whether it's babysitting, meals, or just moral support, their help has made a world of difference. Having that safety net gave me the courage to take a risk, and I'm endlessly grateful.
There's a fire in me that wasn't there before. I'm learning constantly, being challenged in the best ways, and finally feel aligned with my work, my values, and the version of myself I'm becoming.
This journey has shown me it's never too late to start again. You don't need permission to reinvent yourself, just curiosity, courage, and a little support. I didn't know all the answers when I started this path. Honestly, I still don't. But I'm asking better questions now, and that feels like progress.
